MESA, Ariz.—News that the Albert Pujols-imposed deadline passed without an agreement on a new deal spread quickly.

Reporters at Chicago Cubs camp immediately began asking manager Mike Quade about the possibility of Pujols, still a rival St. Louis Cardinal, playing for the Cubs next season.

Albert Pujols is set to be a free agent after the 2011 season and the Chicago Cubs could be a suitor. (AP Photo)

Yes, it happened that fast.

For his part, Quade laughed and said he was more concerned about the players on his own roster.

"I can't believe you guys didn't get a flight to Jupiter, (Fla.)," Quade joked with reporters. "That's their deal. I'm looking forward to working with our guys. (The Cardinals) are going to be a good team. (Pujols) ain't going anywhere. That's for damn sure right now."

A reporter then told Quade that the Cubs have been rumored to be suitors in the Pujols sweepstakes next winter. But Quade, already showing a fine sense of humor in his first full season as the club's manager, again dodged the question.

"Is he going to be here tomorrow?" Quade asked. "Well, I'm looking forward to seeing (current Cubs first baseman) Carlos Pena knock the daylights out of the ball. That's all that matters to me."